#bud cockrell

[rainingmusic]

Pablo Cruise | A Place In The Sun

[myrecordcollections]

I picked this up at a genuine throwback dusty old used record store in a sleepy little college town in upstate New York while on business trip a while back. I have to say I enjoyed the hour or so I spent flipping through the stacks more than I did this album and I was very happy to have to lug a big brown-paper package full of vinyl on the plane home, even if some of the discs turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. There aren’t many used record stores left anymore, and none worth talking about within driving distance of my home, so the experience was both nostalgic and rewarding. As far as I know this is the only It’s a Beautiful Day album that’s never been reissued on CD. Not surprising since it’s also the only one without band founder and violinist David LaFlamme. I don’t know the whole story but I believe there were legal issues with the band’s manager Matthew Katz, who at the time held the copyright to the band name. LaFlamme was replaced on the album by Greg Bloch, who also contributes a bit of mandolin here and there. Bloch does a pretty good job, particularly on the wispy solo that bridges “”Watching You, Watching Me” and “Mississippi Delta”, but I kind of prefer LaFlamme’s unique violin and tuning.

The feel of this album is quite different than IABD’s more well-known first two albums. The band was born in the San Francisco during the Haight-Ashbury days, and their early music carries that West Coast sound and free-flowing hippy vibe. This record has a decidedly southern blues base, and Fredd Webb and Bud Cockrell’s vocals lean closer to .38 Special than Quicksilver Messenger Service and the like. Tracks like “Down on the Bayou” and “Mississippi Delta” make clear the changing direction of the band. That said I like the guitar work and easy gait of the latter, although it’s clear the group should have chosen a different band name for this record.

Considering the band’s signature sound had always been Linda LaFlamme’s voice and her former husband’s strings, the heavy use of male vocals here is another detractor for a record issued under the name It’s a Beautiful Day. Webb’s piano (especially on side 2 of the record) is quite good but also unexpected for this band.

There aren’t any standout tracks, although none are really bad either. Patti Santos puts some emotion and color into the laconic “Child”, and drummer Val Fuentes comes pretty close to recapturing the late sixties San Francisco sound with his vocals fronting the Webb- penned “Time”. And the closing “Creator” is pure hippy-based stuff as well, with Bloch offering up another decent extended violin performance. The rest is a mixed bag and, like I said, mostly blues-based fare.

I’m tempted to say this is a collectors-only piece, but after having spun it several times over the past few months I have to say several of the songs have grown on me, which is more than can be said of its reception by fans when it was first released. I’m going with three stars instead, with the disclaimer that folks looking for anything akin to “White Bird” should adjust their expectations before playing this one. A decent record, and one that might have done better at the time had the group not tried to pass it off as a genuine It’s a Beautiful Day studio work.

peace

[wikitopx]

Houston, named after former General Sam Houston,

in 1836, it won the Battle of San Jacinto for independence from Texas, the fourth most populous city in North America and home to approximately two and a half million inhabitants people. It is a magnet for tourism, closely linked with the Houston Space Center and NASA's astronaut training and piloting a complex, along with many other interesting attractions. Reading through the list of the best things to do in Houston will help you and your family plan for a fun, enjoyable time.

[toc]

1. Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS for short) has an amazing collection of mineral specimens, space station models, 60 large skeletons - including four Tyrannosaurus Rex and three large Quetzalcoatlus - a planetarium. , and more to occupy families for the day.

The museum’s great popularity is also down to its generous number of special and guest exhibits. Established in 1909, it is now one of the most popular in North America.

Kids will love the grasshopper clock that sits at the museum's striking entrance, with its feet in harmony with the passing seconds.

2. Children’s Museum

The Houston Children's Museum was founded in 1980. It is one of 190 children's museums in the United States, founded by a group of parents who want to nurture childhood development in the community.

The museum has a number of engaging hands-on exhibits in topics like science and technology, history and culture, etc. In particular, The Market, an area where the kids will have fun – and learn at the same time – how to apply for jobs, get paychecks and use their ATM card.

There is also a popular outdoor area with toy boats and plumbing to enjoy. This will be a hit with all kids.

3. Space Center Houston

One of the city’s topmost attractions, the space center is home to more than 400 artifacts together with an abundance of both permanent and traveling exhibits as well as other displays relating to America’s awesome space flight programs.

The whole family will be spellbound as they look through the museum’s collection of movies and interactive consoles.

Known globally as the International Space Station Mission Control, and home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training, as additional treat guests are then taken behind the scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center where history was made.

4. Discovery Green

Recently renovated, this 11.78-acre public city park is thought of by locals as a much needed urban oasis. It is very community-spirited, offering free yoga classes, toddler storytimes as well as movie nights and regular concerts.

It also has a playground, free WiFi, an outdoor reading room and an area where you can borrow games and balls when the family feels like running. Alternatively, just enjoy a picnic as you laze on the upward sloping green, relax and watch everyone else. A great family day.

5. Downtown Aquarium

This splendid six-acre dining and entertainment complex was made even more amazing by the amalgamated redevelopment of two of Houston’s landmarks, the Central Waterworks Building, and Fire Station No.1.

Now with plenty of room to house its 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland with 200 species of exotic global residents, it is a great attraction for all the family, and especially the kiddies as they can enjoy the fun aquarium’s rides, from Frog Hopper to Shark Voyage and Aquatic Carousel.

There are plenty of treats for the adults too as the venue includes shopping, an upscale bar, full-service restaurant, a fully equipped ballroom, and geographic and aquatic exhibits.

6. The Health Museum

For all budding scientists in the family or just those who like scientific things, this is the place for you. The Health Museum welcomes more than 180,000 visitors each year, (more than 2.5 million to date.), A section made up of more than 22,000 students as part of their field trip.

One reason for this draw is the museum’s excellent interactive health and science educational experiences, which include things like a hands-on walk through the human body, real organ dissections, and a multitude of ever-changing new and exciting exhibits.

For an additional small cost, your kids can enjoy a visit to the cell lab where they can carry out some simple and fun experiments.

7. Fast Track Amusements

This family entertainment center is the perfect answer for those who want to let off steam, show off their skills and just have some all-round fun. Made up of arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag, and Formula 1 style go-karts; this venue has both indoor and outdoor entertainment to suit everyone.

With a friendly and helpful staff, super clean facilities and table games, video and pinball along with super fun games Godzilla Wars JR, Wacky Gator Super Speedway and Awesome Rat for kids - Just to name a few - Fast arcade games are the place for families to head.

8. Museum of Fine Arts

The MFAH not only benefits the never-ending visitors who come to enjoy the museum’s stunning collection of over 6,000 years of history and approximately 64,000 works from six continents but also 1.25 million attend the museum's annual seminars, programs, and resource centers.

This world-class museum is proud to be home to treasures such as Gleizes Hui La Femme, Memling portraits, Monet water lilies and an impressive number of Roman sculptures and paintings. If you want to make sure I don't want to miss anything, there are 45 minutes of instruction for the family to enjoy.

There is also a great cafe with refreshing drinks on average.

9. Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park is home to Houston’s Major League Baseball team the Astros and is now famous for seeing a major league team playing on natural grass outdoors.

This exciting renovation was approved of by their 3 million fans, who now come to take advantage of the 242 ft high retractable roof – another first, bringing open-air baseball came to Houston for the first time in more than 35 years.

A super attractive for all families because there will be lots of fun to get whether it is raining or sunny.

And for parents, there's a Happy Hour beer shop in the Fields left with lots of great beers. There are also plenty of food choices and excellent BBQ availability.

10. Cockrell Butterfly Center

The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Insect Hall are numerous and serve as a teachable moment for children and anyone interested in bugs, providing entertainment and education for the whole family.

The center is home to butterflies living with breathtaking specimens of some of the world's most exotic arthropods as well as interesting puzzles and interactive games. And here are some helpful suggestions;

As you walk through the area, look under the leaves and take the time to read about the life cycle - found at the entrance to the center – where you can see chrysalis in their various stages. And wear bright colors. The butterflies are more than likely to land on you then.

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Pittsburgh

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-houston-702683.html

[cover32-yahoopartner-blog]

Five Questions for Steelers Preseason Week Three

The Steelers week three preseason game is typically referred to as the dress rehearsal game. It is the game in which the starters see a heavy dose of snaps. What should we be looking for and what questions need answered in this game?

Can Coty Sensabaugh beat out Ross Cockrell?

Ross Cockrell has been taking first team reps for the majority of training camp and the preseason. However, shortly before the team’s third game, Coty Sensabaugh has started to get some work on the outside ahead of Cockrell. Mike Tomlin labeled it a competition, and one that likely has to be resolved this week. The two should weave in and out of the lineup and both will have a chance to win the job. Cockrell certainly has the edge, but can Sensabaugh make up some ground?

How does James Conner build on his week two performance?

Conner was the talk of week two with 98 yards on 20 carries in his rookie debut. Some saw it impressive enough to put the pressure on Le’Veon Bell. In reality he dropped multiple passes, failed to hit holes and was tripped up by finger tips on multiple occasions. Conner is a rookie, and has an incredible back story that warrants time to grow. He should show even stronger, and will have a chance to redeem his mistakes with a heavy workload in week three.

Do we see Bud Dupree?

Bud Dupree has hardly practiced in camp and has not played in the preseason. With starters getting a heavy dose of snaps, this should be the debut of Bud Dupree. However, the word has been mum around him recently. If Dupree does not play this week, shades of 2016, where Dupree was a surprise IR stash could start to peek their heads out. Hopefully this is not the case, but it would be an easy assumption if he does not play.

AROUND COVER32

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Game Preview: The fight for LA; Rams vs Chargers preseason week 3 game preview

cover32 Podcasts: Check out our latest podcasts and view our entire library available on Apple iTunes

Who starts at nose tackle?

Javon Hargrave is likely to miss the game with a concussion. It brings an interesting question as to how they will resolve the snaps at nose tackle. Leterrius Walton has been taking backup nose tackle snaps, but he is a defensive end convert with little to no experience in the role. Tyson Alualu can also slide over and Daniel McCullers is the third team nose tackle, albeit he is mighty far away from the roster. Do all three get snaps, does Walton get the brunt of the work or do we see a lot more nickel in this game?

Can Justin Hunter or Sammie Coates separate themselves?

The bottom of the Steelers depth chart has still not quite sorted itself out yet. Demarcus Ayers is likely heading to the practice squad and Cobi Hamilton is on the outside looking in. Hunter, Coates and Darrius Heyward-Bey are fighting for two spots. Coates and Hunter are the high upside bets, but neither has done anything in camp to warrant winning the battle. Can either get on the field with Ben Roethlisberger? Can either make a splash play? Who wins special teams snaps between the two? This will help identify which receiver is trending towards roster status.

[acero-americano]

A la caza del 7

No, no se alarmen. El “7” mencionado no refiere a Ben Roethlisberger, sino a la cantidad de Super Bowl´s que esperamos adornen las vitrinas del mejor equipo de la NFL: mis Pittsburgh Steelers.

En principio, aclaro que estas líneas distan mucho de ser un análisis (ya quisiera ser analista, caray). Son más bien una reflexión breve, personal y como seguidor, sobre si mis Steelers realmente tienen argumentos para levantar la mano en pos de ese anhelado Campeonato. Obvio hay dosis de parcialidad, pero trataré que exista lógica y congruencia a lo que he comentado en otras ocasiones. Comencemos.

Año con año todos los seguidores de la NFL esperan lo mejor del equipo que admiren. Algunos con mayores posibilidades de hacer cosas importantes o de alcanzar postemporada. Y dentro de estos últimos recurrentemente se cita a los Steelers.

Ahora bien, desde la llegada de Mike Tomlin a Pittsburgh, ha habido mucho debate. Expectativas, desilusiones, continuidad, identidad y un sin numero de factores que conlleva ser apenas el tercer entrenador de la franquicia desde 1969. Y si sumamos que sus predecesores pusieron al equipo dentro de los estándares más altos de la Liga (aún con algunas malas campañas), obviamente las exigencia es proporcional.

Personalmente, cuando en 2007 Tomlin fue nombrado entrenador aurinegro, reconozco haber estado dentro de los escépticos sorprendidos por la noticia. Y eso que llevaba en su historial la coordinación del perímetro de aquellos Tampa Bay Buccaneers cuya defensa dominó entre 2002 y 2005 (de las mejores rankeadas en ese periodo), incluyendo la imponente demostración en el Super Bowl XXXVII ante los Oakland Raiders, con las cinco intercepciones a Rich Gannon, tres de ellas regresadas para anotación.

En el periodo de Tomlin (diez campañas), el balance ha sido de cero temporadas perdedoras, siete apariciones en playoffs, dos Campeonatos de Conferencia, dos visitas al Super Bowl y un Trofeo Lombardi ganado. Nada mal, pero extrañamente muchas dudas no terminan de disiparse.

Aún así, con incertidumbre incluida, había que apoyar al equipo y esperar lo mejor. Y así lo hice, como creo la gran mayoría de los seguidores de Pittsburgh, pese a muchos desconciertos que innegablemente Tomlin nos ha regalado.

Pittsburgh, como sabemos, se sustenta en el Draft colegial. Históricamente, de ahí han salido la mayor parte de sus referentes icónicos (con contadísimas excepciones, como Jerome Bettis), los que han logrado poner a los aurinegros como el equipo más ganador de trofeos de Super Bowl. Por eso, para la campaña 2013, tuve altas expectativas con las selecciones colegiales, dado que pensé que ese era el Draft de Tomlin, el que podría su sello particular al equipo; el que pondría fin a la polémica de que si su único triunfo en Super Bowl era consecuencia de la inercia del equipo heredado por Cowher. Lamentablemente, de ese promisorio Draft solamente brilló un elemento llamado Le´Veon Bell y uno más que resultó una grata sorpresa, llamado Vince Williams, como escribí en un post anterior.

A partir de 2014, cuando regresó a postemporada tras dos campañas ausentes, Pittsburgh ha sido mencionado cada año como posible ganador del Super Bowl, pero lamentablemente se han tenido tragos amargos, ya sea por lesión o por no saber contrarrestar el plan de juego del rival en playoffs. Baltimore Ravens en 2014, Denver Broncos en 2015 y New England Patriots en 2016, han truncado esas aspiraciones.

Este año, principalmente con la llegada de Coty Sensabaugh y Tyson Alualu a través de la agencia libre, y de T.J. Watt, Ju Ju Smith-Schuster, James Conner, Cameron Sutton y Brian Allen en las selecciones colegiales, los Steleers cubren y dan profundidad a algunas posiciones para volver a ser considerados candidatos a ganar el juego grande de la NFL. Así lo pienso. Y vale la pena aclarar: no estoy refiriendo que los novatos o los agentes libres contratados son una varita mágica, sino que vienen a generar sana competencia, a ampliar opciones en posiciones urgidas de talento, a inyectar experiencia y juventud, como parte de un engranaje general.

Pero como apuntaba en líneas previas, esas optimistas aspiraciones las hemos venido escuchando desde 2014, así que ¿qué lo hace diferente esta ocasión? Acá mis tres razones personales.

Primero, veo a un Tomlin más centrado, que comienza a alejarse de las decisiones precipitadas, que comienza a equilibrar la obtención de logros colectivos e individuales. Y eso creo que se traduce en mayor disciplina en el vestidor. Una disciplina que, sin restar autoridad a voces como la de Roethlisberger, Pouncey, Harrison o Heyward (la sangre veterana del equipo), necesitaba refrescarse. Y agregaría: una disciplina sin aspavientos. Basta ver la sutil forma en que puso orden a Martavis Bryant y sus infantiles reacciones en Twitter por la selección de Smith-Schuster.

Segundo, creo que la ofensiva tiene una mescolanza interesante en cuanto a edad y talento. La línea ofensiva que encabeza Maurkice Pouncey, con Ramon Foster y David DeCastro como guards, y Alejandro Villanueva y Marcus Gilbert como tackles, representan un frente sólido, coordinado y maduro (Foster es el de mayor edad, con 31 años y Villanueva el más joven con 28), que han sabido sobreponerse a la inconsistencia, a las lesiones, a la rotación desmedida de antaño. Una de las mejores de la NFL, si me permiten. Se tiene en Bell y Antonio Brown dos explosivos monstruos para acarrear y recibir el ovoide, quienes sanos y alejados del mediático canto de sirenas que permea en la Liga, no me queda duda sean los mejores. Además, estarán acompañados de los ya mencionados Conner, Bryant, Smith-Schuster y un Jesse James (en su tercer campaña profesional como tigh end), lo que ampliará y rotará la distribución del balón, para que los rivales dejen de concentrarse sólo en uno o dos jugadores (una dolencia recurrente). Y finalmente, Roethlisberger, que con 35 años, se encuentra en un momento de su carrera en la que se ha quitado la presión de ser el único en generar la atención de los oponentes. Y eso, sumado a una línea que le ha disminuido de manera importante los golpes, debe incrementar su peligrosidad. Y también veo en nuestro quarterback cordura en torno a su edad y su físico, dejado de exponerse al contacto innecesario y con un rol de guía para con los jóvenes del equipo. Detalles discretos, pero muy importantes, quizás preparando el terreno para un cada vez más cercano relevo en la posición, un relevo inminente sí, pero que pese al clamor desmedido de muchos, no iba a comenzar con el Draft de este 2017.

Tercero, las adquisiciones en agencia libre y Draft recientes, fortalecen una defensa que, aunque ha mejorado gradualmente desde 2014 (número 18 en puntos permitidos y 18 en yardas permitidas ese año, 11 y 21 en 2015 y la campaña anterior fueron la 10 y 12 respectivamente), también a partir de ese 2014 ha sufrido golpes dado el éxodo de figuras por retiro o agencia libre (Troy Polamalu, Brett Keisel, Lawrence Timmons), o por el inevitable paso del tiempo (William Gay, James Harrison). Y la defensa, aunque suene reiterativo, es una pieza del engranaje que no puede relegarse a un segundo plano, creyendo ingenuamente que con una ofensiva explosiva basta para lograr ese séptimo anillo. No. Hay algo llamado balance que sustenta a todo gran equipo. Y Pittsburgh no puede ser excepción. Y con Cam Heyward de regreso, Stephon Tuitt y Javon Hargarve en la línea frontal, acompañados de Dan McCullers y del ya mencionado Alualu, con un brutal Ryan Shazier y Vince Williams en la parte interna de los linebackers, y con Bud Dupree, James Harrison y el recién llegado T.J. Watt como externos, hay argumentos sólidos  tanto para controlar los daños del ataque terrestre rival, como, en lo que creo es lo principal, para generar mayor presión y capturas a los quarterbacks que enfrenten. Esto último es importantísimo para la defensa aurinegra, como comenté también en otro post, dado que pienso que una defensa de élite inicia con la presión y los golpes que se dan al rival en la línea de golpeo, y no a la inversa, es decir, no con el actuar del perímetro, dado que éste, por muy buenos que sean sus jugadores, siempre estará en desventaja ante cualquier quarterback que tenga tiempo en la bolsa de protección. Y es ahí donde Sensabaugh, Sutton y Allen, fortalecerán una defensiva secundaria aurinegra que, con Artie Burns y Sean Davis llegando a su segunda campaña como titulares, acompañados de Mike Mitchell, Ross Cockrell, Senquez Golson (de quien espero se mantenga sano) y el mencionado William Gay, forman un perímetro que tiene todo para continuar mejorando. Y aquí conviene acotar que esa mejora comenzó en el momento que Keith Butler modificó su esquema defensivo a mediados de la campaña anterior, utilizando más el blitz (gracias al regreso de Dupree, quien tras su lesión participó en siete juegos, cuatro como titular, logrando 4.5 capturas) y dando el voto de confianza a Burns y Davis en la titularidad como cornerback y safety respectivamente.

No refiero mucho a los equipos especiales, dado que considero que las tres principales posiciones ahí están bien cubiertas con Chris Boswell, Greg Warren y Jordan Berry como kicker, long snaper y punter respectivamente.

En conclusión, estas son las tres razones que me hacen pensar en Pittsburgh ya no como un aspirante más (como año con año he pensado), sino como un auténtico contendiente al título de Super Bowl. Veo en ambas líneas del equipo, una importante y grata combinación de madurez y juventud, de explosividad y talento, de liderazgo y de aprendizaje, y como apuntaba también, una cordura que quizás estaba tímida en el entrenador. Y veo un fortalecimiento defensivo (imprescindible para mi) que otorga el equilibrio que pienso nos ha faltado en años recientes. Ojalá y así sea. Ojalá este sea el año.

Nos leemos.

El Dato Renegado: Para resaltar el por qué la importancia que doy y he dado a la defensa de los Steelers para la obtención de un título, me permito citar que en cada uno de los seis obtenidos por los aurinegros, la defensa ha estado rankeada dentro de las mejores cinco en la Liga, tanto en puntos como en yardas permitidas. Como dice el adagio, las defensas ganan los campeonatos.

[junker-town]

NFL mock draft: Pittsburgh Steelers go with Marcus Maye

Another secondary piece for the Steel City in the form of the Florida safety.

In the first round of the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft, Behind the Steel Curtain executed one of the best picks in taking Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley at No. 30. He’s a player who could leapfrog average performers like William Gay and Ross Cockrell on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.

That’s one of two big needs for Pittsburgh checked. The other is pass rusher, where opposite Bud Dupree the Steelers only have James Harrison. While Harrison thus far has shown himself to be immortal, his football days are winding down.

It stands to reason that the Steelers go with a pass rusher with this pick. They could, but Jeff Hartman and Nicholas Martin of BTSC decided to go in a different direction.

62. Pittsburgh Steelers: Marcus Maye, S, Florida

Hartman and Martin: Marcus Maye played multiple roles at the University of Florida. Whether he was playing as a single high safety, or being an enforcer in the box, he's a interchangeable piece to any secondary. He shows the ability to match up on tight ends in man coverage occasionally, too. His ability to create fumbles sticks out to me, whether he's making a hard hit, or using the famous Charles Tillman peanut punch, the guy is hazard when it comes to ball security. He's has some lapses in coverage that caused him to give up some touchdowns and he did break his arm this past season; however, his athletic ability is a bit too enticing at this point of the draft, along with his scheme versatility.

The Steelers need to bolster their secondary, and even though they drafted Sean Davis in the second round of 2016, they are preparing for life without Mike Mitchell, all while getting a player who can help them in specific sub packages they run so often. Steelers fans won’t be happy with the back-to-back secondary picks with pass rusher still a strong need, but it is just the way the draft played out.

Analysis: This choice is a little puzzling. I understand the importance of having versatility in the secondary, but there are some good pass rushers available with this selection. Tim Williams of Alabama is a fit, and you could probably work Tarrell Basham into that role for Pittsburgh. In the end, I just don’t rate Maye as a top-64 player.

Dan's top five players remaining

26. Tim Williams, LB, Alabama

41. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee

50. Curtis Samuel, RB/WR, Ohio State

53. Ryan Anderson, LB, Alabama

55. Raekwon McMillan, MLB, Ohio State

Steelers picks

1-30: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

2-62: Marcus Maye, S, Florida

If you've been following the writers' mock draft this long, you know by now that the final pick of the day will be here at 3 p.m. ET. It comes courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and The Falcoholic.

[plaidshirt]

2017 Steeler Draft needs

PASS RUSHER: Bud Dupree is coming into his own as a proficient pass rusher and the ageless wonder James Harrison is always a threat but the Steelers could use a uber-athletic outside linebacker to lineup opposite of Dupree. Someone who can rush the passer and be reliable in coverage. Harrison will eventually call it a career and the Steelers don’t want to be empty handed when he does.

CORNERBACK:  Yes, the Steelers just drafted Artie Burns (who could eventually be a shutdown Corner) but they could draft another high round Corner who could play on the other side of the field replacing Ross Cockrell. Cockrell has played decent, however his run support has been lacking. William Gay is declining and poses a major risk at slot (i.e. Chris Hogan in AFC Championship game). A player that could upgrade the slot-corner position is Budda Baker. Don’t let his size scare you (5′10, 180 lbs) he plays big. He’s a sure tackler, reads plays wonderfully, and can play slot-corner and safety. 

LESSER NEEDS: 

   Wide Receiver:  Who knows if Martavis Bryant will be back and Sammie Coates hands are as unreliable as the headsets in Foxborough.

   Defensive Line: It never hurts having depth at DLine, it allows the starters to rest and it keeps constant pressure on the opponents offensive line.

   Running Back: Bell is a super star, but the Steelers don’t want to wear him out or even injure him. A solid backup in the 3rd or 4th round of the draft would be a wise choice. As good as DeAngelo Williams is, he’s a free agent this offseason and he’s long in the tooth.

   Safety: Sean Davis is awesome and was a long needed addition to the roster. Mike Mitchell is a darn good safety too who adds that thump in the secondary. But it never hurts to have three good safeties on a roster, in case of injuries or other random events.

 CONCLUSION: This draft is filled with talented Corners, Pass Rushers, Safeties, Tight Ends, and Running Backs. The Steelers should draft whomever is the best value at their pick. Free Agency will impact the Steelers plan for the draft, but with a defensive filled draft and the Steelers history it’s easy to assume they will pick defense early in the draft. I will be releasing who I believe will be picked in the first round closer to the draft. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments!

[rotoworld-yahoopartner]

Silva's Wild Card Matchups

Wild Card Round Sunday 1:05 PM ET Game Miami @ Pittsburgh Vegas Projected Score: Steelers 28, Dolphins 18

RED TEXT = Edited based on new info. Sunday’s kickoff game has the highest total (46.0) on the Week 18 slate and is lopsided in Pittsburgh’s direction with the Steelers favored by ten points at home. As we’re all aware, Ben Roethlisberger has wicked home-game splits, having completed 533-of-783 passes (68.1%) for 6,781 yards (8.66 YPA) with a 59:16 TD-to-INT ratio and 16-4 record at Heinz Field over the last three seasons -- good for averages of 2.95 touchdowns and 339.05 yards per game. This year’s leaders in passing scores and yards per game were Aaron Rodgers (2.50) and Drew Brees (325.5). Four of the final six quarterbacks to face Dolphins DC Vance Joseph’s defense posted top-three fantasy results, the two exceptions being Bryce Petty and Carson Palmer in a Miami monsoon. In playoff DFS, Roethlisberger is this week’s top quarterback play and I’m not sure it’s close. … Same goes for Le’Veon Bell among Week 18 running backs. The Dolphins’ run defense closed the season ranked No. 22 in Football Outsiders’ DVOA while being dusted for a combined 137-724-3 (5.28 YPC) rushing line by enemy backs over its final six games. As Jay Ajayi went completely off (25-204-2) in these clubs’ Week 6 meeting and Roethlisberger turned in his typical road-game dud while playing through a knee injury that required surgery the following Monday, Le’Veon disappointed – for him – with 109 yards on a season-low 16 touches. The Dolphins dominated time of possession (36:30 to 23:30) and ran 68 offensive plays to the Steelers’ 53 in a stunning 30-15 rout. As Pittsburgh finished top 15 in both possession time and play volume and stiffened considerably on defense down the stretch, a repeat script seems unlikely in this rematch back in Pittsburgh. The Fins have also allowed the NFL’s sixth most receptions (89) to running backs. Just as Ajayi did to the Steelers back in October, I’d look for Le’Veon to return the favor and smash this matchup out of the park. Ben’s targets since the Steelers’ Week 8 bye: Antonio Brown 79; Le’Veon 57; Eli Rogers 40; Ladarius Green 34; Jesse James 25; Cobi Hamilton 16; Sammie Coates 13. … Dolphins top CB Byron Maxwell gave Brown more problems than any corner all year in Week 6, winning their head-to-head matchups more often than not as Brown finished with a season-low 39 yards on eight targets. Maxwell suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 15. In Weeks 16-17, Sammy Watkins (7-154-1) and Julian Edelman (8-151-1) both proceeded to set season highs in yardage against Miami. Brown has topped 100 yards and/or scored a touchdown in six straight home games. He’s the best Wild Card wide receiver play, ahead of Odell Beckham and Jordy Nelson. … Slot man Rogers caught four balls in these teams’ Week 6 game, while Patriots slot man Edelman shredded Miami’s interior defense last week. PFF has charged slot CB Bobby McCain with the Dolphins cornerback corps’ highest passer rating allowed (112.7). Rogers has plus splits in the absence of Green (concussions), averaging 7.0 targets and 82.7 yards in Green's last three missed games compared to 4.2 targets and 35.2 yards in Green's six appearances. … Green suffered an apparent late-week setback and is unlikely to play against Miami. James will take over as Pittsburgh's every-down tight end after logging 84% and 86% snap rates with 5 and 3 targets when Green missed Weeks 16-17. As the Dolphins have lost both of their starting safeties (Reshad Jones, Isa Abdul-Quddus) to injured reserve, they were hit for 6-79-1 by 49ers tight ends in Week 12, 12-129-2 by Ravens tight ends in Week 13, 8-85-2 by Charles Clay in Week 15, and 4-37-1 by Patriots tight ends last week. Although James has not been a high-volume part of Pittsburgh's passing game, he is squarely in touchdown-or-bust punt discussion as an every-down player in a high-scoring offense. I like James better than guys like Dion Sims, Will Tye, Ryan Griffin, and Clive Walford on the Wild Card slate. Keyed by a rejuvenated pass rush and settled secondary, the Steelers skied to No. 12 in pass-defense DVOA by season’s end while holding each of their final seven quarterbacks faced below 265 yards and outside of the top-12 weekly fantasy scorers. From their Week 8 bye on, Steelers DC Keith Butler’s increasingly blitz-heavy defense piled up 30 sacks to finish ninth in the NFL (38) after managing 8 sacks combined in Weeks 1-7. Ageless OLB James Harrison earned PFF’s No. 13 pass-rush grade among 59 qualified 3-4 outside linebackers while late-season I.R./recall returnee OLB Bud Dupree led the league in sacks from the month of December on (4.5). Early-season slot corner liability Sean Davis took over at strong safety in Week 11 and the Steelers didn’t lose another game. Matt Moore has performed above game-manager expectations three starts in, guiding an offense that has averaged 27.3 points per game since Ryan Tannehill (knee) went down. Moore has hit long gains, albeit most of them via dynamic RAC plays. Moore did find Kenny Stills for an over-the-top 25-yard score in last week’s loss to New England where Stills got so wide open it looked like a coverage bust. As Miami is a ten-point dog in Week 18’s highest-totaled game, there is a story to be told where Moore stacks stats in catch-up mode or a sneaky shootout. More likely, the Dolphins will remain a run-first team that tries to control this game and holds Moore under 35 attempts for the fourth straight start. … Jay Ajayi was the star of these clubs’ Week 6 date, eviscerating Pittsburgh’s defense on zone runs to the edge and going BeastMode when sprung free while gaining three quarters of his 204 yards after initial contact against a Steelers defense that was missing ILB Ryan Shazier (knee). Pittsburgh was gashed last week by Browns backs for a combined 27-190-1 (7.04 YPC) rushing line, albeit without DE Stephon Tuitt (knee). Both Shazier and Tuitt will play on Sunday. Getting a true read on the Steelers’ run-defense stoutness has been difficult, but Ajayi’s workload has never been in doubt with 11 straight games of 18-plus touches. Beyond Le’Veon Bell, Ajayi’s usage is arguably the most secure of any Wild Card Round running back. … With such a limited game menu, passing-down specialist and sometimes red-zone vulture Damien Williams might be a mildly intriguing long-shot DFS punt had he not lost what amounted to last week’s game-ending fumble at the Patriots’ six-yard line. We’re really stretching here, but it’s a miscue that might lead to a playing-time bump for fleet-footed rookie Kenyan Drake, who also returns kickoffs for the Dolphins. Moore’s targets this season: Jarvis Landry 23; Kenny Stills 20; DeVante Parker 17; Williams and Dion Sims 8; Ajayi and MarQueis Gray 4. … Landry’s target totals in Moore’s starts are 4 > 6 > 12 with his volume correlating directly to Moore’s game-script-impacted pass attempts totals. Landry has quietly put together 80-plus yards and/or a touchdown in four of his last five games and should be the main beneficiary if this game flows as the ten-point spread suggests. Landry fared well (7-91) in these clubs’ Week 6 meeting and offers one of the best PPR wide receiver floors on the Week 18 slate. He’s in top-six wideout consideration with only Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham, Jordy Nelson, Doug Baldwin, Davante Adams, and maybe DeAndre Hopkins offering a better case. … Stills’ targets with Moore are 3 > 8 > 7 with a touchdown in all three and four scores over his last five games. Stills is always a big-play threat, but he is catching about three balls per game while living on a wildly unsustainable touchdown rate facing a Steelers defense that allowed the NFL’s second fewest touchdowns to wide receivers (9) this year. … Parker’s targets are 3 > 7 > 7 with Moore. Strictly in terms of cornerback-receiver battles, Parker has the toughest in Miami’s pass-catcher corps as the likeliest to draw Steelers LCB Ross Cockrell, who broke out as one of the league’s top young corners this year and played a major role in holding Parker to 28 yards on five catches in Week 6. Because Miami’s pass volume could be elevated by negative script and Parker offers downfield playmaking ability, I’m still going to have DFS tournament exposure. Ultimately, neither Parker nor Stills sets up as a strong on-paper play against a Steelers pass defense yielding so few scores and big passing gains. Only Denver and Houston gave up fewer 20-plus-yard completions than the 2016 Steelers (40). … Sims’ targets with Moore are 4 > 3 > 1 on snap rates of 94% > 100% > 98%. We know Sims will be on the field, but his passing-game usage has been minimal beyond two Week 15 goal-line scores against the Jets. He’s a touchdown-or-bust punt with a goose-egg floor. Score Prediction: Steelers 28, Dolphins 17 4:40 PM ET Game NY Giants @ Packers Vegas Projected Score: Packers 24.5, Giants 20 Aaron Rodgers enters the Wild Card Round as the NFL’s hottest quarterback north of Matt Ryan with an 18:0 TD-to-INT ratio over his last seven games and increased recent rushing production, a handy tool because opponents like to play the Packers’ receivers in man coverage, increasing scrambling lanes. The Giants yielded the NFL’s second fewest quarterback rushing yards (85) this season, however, while only 2-of-16 quarterbacks to face New York posted top-12 fantasy results, including stretch-run shutdowns of Dak Prescott (QB27), Matthew Stafford (QB20), and Kirk Cousins (QB21). When these teams met in Week 5 at Lambeau Field, the Giants held Rodgers to 5.8 yards on 45 attempts and picked him off twice – both by Janoris Jenkins -- the first on a Jordy Nelson drop-deflection over the middle and second on a fantastic diving play in front of Davante Adams. Rodgers has otherwise been lights out in home games, where he has a 22:4 TD-to-INT ratio and multiple touchdown passes in 7-of-8 games this season, most notably in theoretically tough draws with the Giants (2), Texans (2), Seahawks (3), and Vikings (4). Rodgers was the most matchup-proof quarterback in fantasy this year. In DFS tournaments, my guess is Ben Roethlisberger will attract higher ownership. Rodgers still offers a similar or even superior ceiling. … The Packers benched Ty Montgomery for most of last week’s first half following a failed screen pass after which Rodgers left the field shouting at Montgomery. FB Aaron Ripkowski wound up with his second highest snap rate (48%) of the season and a career-high 11 touches. Montgomery did return to start the second half and operated as Green Bay’s feature back the rest of the way, but this occurred a week after Montgomery once again struggled in pass protection. Still learning to play NFL running back, Montgomery’s usage has become volatile while trying to earn Rodgers’ trust. Due to his wide receiver background, it is surprising that Montgomery hasn’t made an impact in the passing game since October. The Packers’ rushing matchup is tough against a Giants run defense that ranks No. 3 in DVOA and has held enemy running backs to a combined 151-512-2 (3.39 YPC) rushing line over its last seven games. Rodgers’ target distribution over the last two months: Jordy Nelson 79; Davante Adams 56; Jared Cook 40; Montgomery 28; Randall Cobb 27; Richard Rodgers 20; Geronimo Allison 17; Ripkowski 6. … Albeit at a time when Jordy wasn’t running as well as he is now, the Giants held him to 38 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets in Week 5 as Nelson left a ton of yards on the field with four arguable drops. Giants top CB Janoris Jenkins also repeatedly made spectacular pass breakups. Jordy scored his two-yard touchdown on off-script improvisation against rookie CB Eli Apple. The Giants have limited enemy No. 1 wideouts, notably checking DeSean Jackson (2-34-0), Dez Bryant (1-10-0), and Antonio Brown (6-54-1) over the season’s final five weeks. The matchup isn’t strong on paper, but a bet on Rodgers is generally a bet on Nelson, and both were incredibly strong bets in the second half of the season. In DFS tournaments, Rodgers-to-Jordy will likely have less ownership than Ben-to-Brown. Nelson has caught at least six passes in six straight games and scored a touchdown in 11-of-16 games this year. Even in a tough draw, Jordy is a top-three wideout on the Wild Card slate. … Adams went to work (5-85-1) in Week 5, doing much of his damage against UDFA CB Michael Hunter, who isn’t on the Giants’ 53-man roster anymore. Adams’ yardage results can be hit or miss, but he finished second in the NFL in touchdown catches (12) behind only Nelson (14) and will get better individual matchups if Jenkins chases Jordy. … Cook is one of Week 18’s top matchup-driven DFS plays facing a Giants defense that yielded 7-89-1 to Redskins tight ends last week and gave up the NFL’s sixth most catches (89) and fourth most yards (1,052) to the position this year. While still not a full-time player, Cook has become a consistent part of Green Bay’s passing game with snap rates of 66% > 59% > 53% and target totals of 8 > 5 > 8 in Weeks 15-17. Cook has a tendency to disappear in the red zone, but his elevated usage and matchup make Cook one of this week’s most intriguing box-score bets. … Allison replaced Cobb (ankle) as the Packers’ third receiver in last week’s win, logging six targets on 81% of the snaps. Allison hooked up with Rodgers for 39 yards on a bootleg pass that required post-snap communication, a 31-yard shot play on a designed downfield pick, and a diving touchdown where Rodgers looked to Allison in the end zone on an improvised play. It was a promising effort by an undrafted rookie. Allison might disappear if Cobb returns, but he’ll get a ton of playing time again if Cobb doesn’t. Allison ran a brutal 4.67 forty at the Combine, but he improved to 4.56 at Illinois’ Pro Day and has vertical ability on sheer length at 6-foot-3, 197 with 33-inch arms. Matchups will work strongly in Eli Manning’s Wild Card Round favor against a Packers defense that gave up 22 touchdown passes over its final ten games and three straight 340-yard games to Matt Barkley, Sam Bradford, and Matthew Stafford in Weeks 15-17. Manning’s recent performance won’t after he topped 270 yards in just one of the final ten weeks in an offense that failed to score 20 points in 10-of-16 games and four straight to end the year. The Packers sold out to stop Odell Beckham on Sunday Night Football in Week 5, putting at least two defenders in his vicinity on all of OBJ’s 12 targets and limiting him to 56 yards on five catches, saved by an eight-yard garbage-time score. As Manning’s fantasy results depend almost completely upon Beckham turning easy completions into big plays, Eli had an ugly 199-yard game to discourage his remaining apologists on national TV. Manning was horrific on the road this season, averaging 223.5 yards per game and 5.94 yards per attempt with multiple touchdown passes in 3-of-8 games. I think Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson are all significantly better NFL playoff DFS bets than Eli. Most of the field will, too, of course, making Manning worthy of low-owned tournament consideration based on OBJ’s playmaking ability in the best quarterback matchup on the Wild Card slate. … Paul Perkins’ Weeks 15-17 touch counts were 11 > 16 > 21 on snap rates of 39% > 38% > 51% compared to Rashad Jennings’ 18 > 13 > 19 on 39% > 46% > 39% playing-time clips. Perkins averaged 4.48 yards per carry to Jennings’ 3.00 over the final five weeks. The pendulum is swinging in Perkins’ direction ahead of a plus Week 18 draw against a Packers defense that allowed a combined 203-950-9 rushing line (4.68 YPC) to running backs over its last ten games. I don’t think Jennings is going away, but Perkins has become a better bet for touches and yards. Jennings remains the favorite for scoring-position work after piling up five red-zone carries to Perkins’ two in last week’s win. Manning’s targets since the Giants’ Week 8 bye: Beckham 99; Sterling Shepard 57; Will Tye 45; Jennings and Victor Cruz 31; Jerell Adams 17: Perkins 16; Roger Lewis 14. … OBJ will probably face heavy coverage on every snap, but he is likelier than not to win battles against a depleted Packers secondary that gave up 12-202-2 (Adam Thielen), 8-110 (Deonte Thompson), 9-104 (Cameron Meredith), 6-89-1 (Alshon Jeffery), 6-77-1 (Golden Tate), 5-76 (Marvin Jones), and 4-57-1 (Anquan Boldin) to enemy wide receivers in its final three games on top of league highs in yards (3,017) and touchdowns (26) to the position this year. Despite his slow Week 5 against the Packers, this is a blowup spot for Beckham, who finished second in the NFL in targets (169), third in catches (101), and third in receiving yards (1,367). … Bogged down by a dysfunctional passing game, Giants slot man Shepard managed 14 yards on seven targets against Green Bay in Week 5. Not much of a big-play threat, Shepard was a short score-or-bust fantasy gamble for most of the year. He closed out the season with 13 straight games below 65 yards. … Cruz didn’t even catch a pass in these clubs’ previous meeting. While we can count on Cruz to be out there for over 80% of the snaps, Cruz drew just two red-zone targets from Week 6 on and went over 50 yards once in the Giants’ final nine games. He’s in the same conversation with Jermaine Kearse and Geronimo Allison as DFS punts that cost near the minimum but have goose-egg floors. It’s interesting to note that Cruz (10) hauled in four more 20-plus-yard plays than Shepard (6) this season despite seeing 33 fewer targets. With the Packers’ attention likely to be focused on Beckham, I’m leaving the light on for Cruz to surprise with a big play. … Tye was a popular Week 5 DFS play against Green Bay, only to finish with 37 scoreless yards as Eli overthrew him on a would-be walk-in 60-yard touchdown. Tight ends always have good matchups against the Packers, but Tye hit pay dirt in 1-of-16 games and cleared 55 yards in 0-of-16. That shortage of season-long production has me looking elsewhere for tight end plays this week. Score Prediction: Packers 23, Giants 17

[cover32-yahoopartner-blog]

Steelers Preseason Week Three Preview

The Steelers third preseason game is typically looked at as the team’s dress rehearsal game. It likely means that we are going to get a good hard look at some of the starters. What should be expected from these players and who else is worth watching?

What to watch for on offense

At quarterback, not only Ben Roethlisberger, but Landry Jones will be making his debut as well. For Jones, you just want to see that he is more comfortable in the pocket that Joshua Dobbs. That is not the biggest bar to hurdle, but it is something that Jones needs to prove.

At running back, all eyes will be on James Conner. Conner had good accounting stats in his NFL debut but also dropped passes, missed holes and was tripped up multiple times. Let’s see if he can build on that debut.

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Antonio Brown makes his 2017 debut on Saturday as well. However, the players to watch will be Justin Hunter and Sammie Coates. These two are in the midst of a training camp battle, and if either can get snaps with Ben Roethlisberger it would be a huge vote of confidence.

Jake McGee is the name to watch at tight end. They are different style players, but McGee has been the better prospect than Phazahn Odom so far. They will only keep one tight end on the practice squad and it very well may be McGee.

Jerald Hawkins has been the player to watch on the offensive line all preseason, and that does not change with the addition of some extra starter snaps. Hawkins progressed mightily from week one to week two, and it would be great to see him continue that momentum as he heads into his first regular season.

What to watch for on Defense

On the defensive line, it will be interesting what the Steelers do to replace Javon Hargrave, who is out with a concussion. Leterrius Walton has taken backup nose tackle snaps, but Tyson Alualu is capable of sliding into the nose as well. The Steelers would be smart to mix these two in, and also could wind up playing more nickel as a result of the injury.

At linebacker, it is the return of James Harrison. In all likelihood, he just gets one series and turns the keys back over to T.J. Watt. The player to watch on the outside in Bud Dupree. He has not played in the preseason yet, and if he ends up missing this game it is very reminiscent of his 2016 season that started with a surprise IR trip.

On the inside, the player to watch is L.J. Fort. He has outplayed almost any inside backer in the preseason so far, and it would be interesting if the Steelers gave him some snaps next to Vince Williams over Tyler Matakevich.

At cornerback, the new name to watch is DaShaun Phillips. He has an outside shot at the roster but has to get on the field immediately. For someone who was traded midweek that is a large task. On top of that, Coty Sensabaugh and Ross Cockrell are in the midst of a battle for starting snaps. Cockrell comes in with the edge, but Sensabaugh is the player to watch.

At safety, the only name to watch is Jacob Hagen. Hagen is likely to make the practice squad, but his play in the preseason has actually demanded some roster watch attention.

[cover32-yahoopartner-blog]

Ranking the Steelers roster: 20-11

Who are the most valuable Steelers on the roster? Which players are the Steelers relying on to have a big 2017 season the most? Who would be the most devastating player to take away for a season? With camp approaching, we will rank the Steelers 90-man roster in order of importance. This edition will feature, players 20-11.

20. T.J. Watt

The rookie first round pick checks in at number 20. Watt is going to be on the field this season, the question is just how often? He will likely be in a rotation with James Harrison, but given his trajectory and what was invested in him, the hope is that by the end of the season he is replacing Harrison.

19. Artie Burns

Burns, of course, is the first round pick a season before Watt. Burns was eased into action last season but showed some promise as a potential starter. He did see some valleys as well, but the arrow has to be pointing up on Burns as the 2017 season kicks off.

18. Ross Cockrell

When Burns and Cockrell were on the field together, teams were targeting Burns. Cockrell fared well last season as a starter. He had allowed less than 50 yards in all but two games last season. If he can continue to progress, he could be in the talks for an extension this offseason.

17. Bud Dupree

The Steelers are going to need a big step forward for Dupree. Dupree has been great when he is on the field. However, he has only played 21 more snaps than Jarvis Jones did in his first two seasons. While Jones was healthy and still couldn’t see the field, and Dupree missed most of his time with a hernia, this will be a big third season for Jarvis Jones.

16. Alejandro Villanueva

Villanueva is a better average player at one of the most valuable positions in the NFL. He is still extremely raw, and there appears to be a huge untapped upside to his game. However, he has yet to reach it, and it will be interesting to see what the Steelers do with Villanueva in regards to an extension this summer.

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15. Javon Hargrave

Hargrave was excellent as a rookie. He got better as the season went on, and his best game of the season was the AFC Championship when he was one of the only players to show up. Entering year two, there is a ton of room for progression, and Hargrave should be a key piece to the defense moving forward.

14. Sean Davis

Davis struggled early in his rookie season when he was forced into the slot. However, when he moved to full-time safety he became a valuable asset. He was the best overall rookie last season and given his athleticism still, has a relatively high ceiling.

13. James Harrison

It is hard to put such a legendary player any lower. While the Steelers do hope that Watt can eventually take over for him, Harrison is still a game changer, even in a limited role. When he is on the field he is delivering at his best, and he brings too much to the table, even at his age to move him lower.

12. Mike Mitchell

Mitchell is underrated key to the defense. He is aggressive, and while it is overly aggressive at times, his ability to make statements near the line of scrimmage, and deep as a centerfielder make him a valuable asset.

11. Ryan Shazier

Shazier has the chance to shoot up a lot higher with a healthy 2017 season. He is a great athlete and a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. However, he has never put in a full 16 game season, and until he does that it is hard to completely rely on him.

The post Ranking the Steelers roster: 20-11 appeared first on Cover32.

[acero-americano]

Pittsburgh Steelers y su primer día de agencia libre 2017

Pues bueno, se ha ido el primer día de la agencia libre del 2017 en la NFL. Estas fechas, tan esperadas para todos los que disfrutamos del hermoso deporte del football, nos brinda sorpresas de todo tipo y para todos los tipos de aficionados. Con mis Steelers, no puede ser la excepción. Es bien sabido para todos aquellos que seguimos al equipo aurinegro, que históricamente Pittsburgh no es una franquicia que se caracterice por apostar en la agencia libre su base de éxito. Salvo contadas excepciones, Pittsburgh ha forjado su historia en sus selecciones colegiales. Y este año no iba a ser la excepción. ¿Por qué el antecedente? Bueno, pues sucede que leí y recibí diversas opiniones (todas muy respetables, sean o no compartidas por quien escribe), relacionadas a la apatía del Gerente General del equipo, Kevin Colbert, para traer un refuerzo importante a Pittsburgh. Insisto, respetando sobremanera cada una de las opiniones, la agencia libre no es la base del éxito con Steelers. Y agregaría: fue apenas el primer día, caray. Es complicado, pero hay que tener un poco de paciencia y controlar la ansiedad. Ahora bien, lo que si resulta innegable, es que hay áreas vitales que deben apuntalarse este año, con miras a que el equipo sea un real contendiente para levantar el Trofeo Lombardi; para que sea un equipo que esté a la par (deportiva y mentalmente) de los Patriots, que, guste o no, han dado muestra de consistencia en la Conferencia Americana. Y esas áreas vitales, se deben fortalecer en la agencia libre y/o en el próximo draft del mes siguiente. Habrá debate sobre las necesidades del equipo, pero personalmente siento que hay dos que sobresalen de entre todas: el perímetro, concretamente en la posición de cornerback y linebacker externo. Artie Burns ya demostró en su temporada de novato buenos números. El cornerback egresado de Miami participó en los 16 juegos de la campaña anterior (09 de ellos como titular), tuvo 65 tackles (52 en solitario y 13 asistido), con 13 pases defendidos y 03 intercepciones. Nada mal para la primera selección del Draft 2016, que arrancó nervioso y muchas veces presa de la ansiedad, pero que poco a poco fue subiendo su nivel, particularmente en la segunda mitad de la campaña. El problema fue el otro lado, donde Cockrell tuvo una actuación discreta (comparada a la de la campaña 2015) y William Gay con el tema de la edad y la obvia cuesta descendiente de su carrera, circunstancias que quedaron muy marcadas en el juego de campeonato de la AFC. El otro apartado que requiere, a mi parecer, inmediata atención por el equipo, es la de acompañante de Bud Dupree en el extremo de la línea de linebackers. Dupree ya demostró su calibre y que es dueño de una de las posiciones como outside linebacker, pese a haberse perdido más de media campaña. Regresó en la semana 11 y participó en los 07 juegos finales (04 de ellos como titular), logrando en ese lapso 24 tackles (19 solo y 05 asistido), 4.5 sacks y un fumble forzado. Y del otro lado, es innegable la aportación del eterno referente del equipo, el gran James Harrison, quien en 15 juegos (07 como titular) logró 53 tackles (39 solo y 14 con asistencia), 05 sacks, 01 intercepción y 02 fumbles forzados. Y aún cuando Harrison firmó por dos años más con Steelers y es indudable la referencia que le da al equipo, en mayo próximo llegará a los 39 años y es un hecho que no puede pasarse por alto. Jarvis Jones, tristemente creo ya no tiene cabida en el equipo y con ello se diluye la gran expectativa puesta como primera selección del Draft en 2013. Es un hecho que se necesita quien acompañe a Dupree en el otro extremo de esa línea y que hagan del blitz la más importante pieza de la defensa de acero. Bueno, pero no quiero desviarme del tema principal. En este primer día de agencia libre 2017, y como bien se apuntaba en el Twitter de @Steleers360, Pittsburgh no fue por agentes libres de otros equipos. Ponderó a los de casa y volvió a contratar, por dos años cada uno, a David Johnson (TE) y Landry Jones (QB). En el primer caso, cubren un área en la que Jesse James no hay duda es el dueño de la posición, pero en la que también es claro que se necesita mayor profundidad y un poco de descargo para James, algo que se pensaba existiría con Ladarius Green, pero que lamentablemente no se ha podido asentar dada su recurrente fragilidad en el tema de conmociones. Y bueno, en el caso de Landry Jones, lo cité hace tiempo y sigo en la misma opinión: me hubiera gustado que ya no siguiera en el equipo, pero sabía que no sería así por el simple hecho de que Ben Roethlisberger también se encuentra ya en la etapa final de su gran carrera (sí, no me crucifiquen, hay que ser realistas) y su físico ya resiente notablemente golpes que quizás antaño eran parte de su rol de juego. Lo que sí me sorprendió del tema Landry Jones, es que su recontratación haya sido por dos años. Y más aún, por $4.4 millones de dólares y un bono de $600,000 dólares por firmar el nuevo contrato. Como comentaba hoy con los amigos de Steelers360, si la expectativa fijada en 2013 para Landry Jones como cuarta selección de Draft era la de ser suplente, pues vaya que ha sido un suplente muy caro. Y además, inefectivo. Pero como no soy Gerente General ni me gusta ser de los que no apoyan al equipo en sus decisiones, obviaré mayores comentarios y por el contrario, espero sean decisiones que cumplan con su objetivo en el equipo. La partida de Markus Wheaton duele más en el tema emocional que por lo que venía aportando al equipo. Markus demostró su compromiso y sus ganas, pero lamentablemente no todo puede sostenerse así. La tercera selección de Steelers en 2013 (sí, otro pick de ese año) arrancó bien, incluso como el sucesor de Emmanuel Sanders cuando partió a Denver, pero fue a menos en su productividad, tanto por lesiones como por el ascenso de Martavis Bryant (con todo y sus problemas legales) y recientemente de Sammie Coates. Ojalá le vaya bien a Wheaton en su nueva casa, en la Ciudad de los Vientos, Chicago. Y la otra salida fue la del corredor Karlos Williams, a quien hoy la directiva de Pittsburgh le dio las gracias. Cierto, tenemos a Le´Veon Bell. Cierto, es quizás el más versátil y por ende, quizás también el mejor en su posición en la Liga, pero no por eso se puede creer que por sí sólo, es suficiente. No. Necesita un buen suplente. Y más con la incertidumbre que hay en torno a la continuidad de De´Angelo Williams al equipo (y que aún siendo así, tampoco debe pasar por alto el hecho de que Williams tendrá 34 años en abril). Es una posición delicada y ya vimos que Pittsburgh adquiere otra dimensión, otro plus, cuando Bell juega. Y sus lesiones, provienen por el exceso de veces que se le da el balón por no tener un sustituto de buen calibre. Por eso apremia otro corredor, que francamente no creo llegue de la agencia libre. Mañana, Lawrence Timmons estará conociendo por primera ocasión lo que es la agencia libre, visitando a Miami. Personalmente, y contrario de lo que pensaba con Landry Jones, deseo que escuche ofertas pero que llegue a quedarse con Steelers. Si su aspiración es llegar a otro Super Bowl, creo es con este equipo, con el que lo reclutó como primera selección en 2007. Aunque, lamentablemente creo que las posibilidades de que emigre son mayores. Es un profesional y es comprensible que tenga que ver por su futuro económico también. Y en Pittsburgh, dada su edad (tendrá 31 años en mayo) y que hay buenos prospectos en su posición dentro de la organización (léase Vince Williams, Tyler Matakevich e incluso L.J. Fort), puede que su ciclo con los aurinegros esté más cerca de cerrarse que de extenderse. Veremos. Así las cosas en este primer día de agencia libre 2017 con Steelers. Reitero, seamos pacientes y confiemos en el buen tino de Colbert y compañía en este proceso. Y tampoco desgarremos vestiduras si no hay una contratación mediática o si de plano no hay contratación alguna. En un mes, veremos el real calibre que tendrá el equipo con miras a la campaña de este año. Y agradezco mucho la oportunidad de esta primer participación en Steelers360. Ojalá cumpla con el objetivo de llevar información y opiniones, quizás no las mejores, quizás no las de primicias, pero sí de calidad y con la pasión por el mejor equipo en la NFL: mis Pittsburgh Steelers. Una posdata, que me atreveré a llamar “El Renegado”: ¿Quién creen que ha sido el mejor agente libre que han contratado mis Steelers? Han habido muchos, ciertamente: Jeff Hartings, Kevin Greene, Ray Seals, Kimo von Oelhoffen (a Carson Palmer no le agrada esto, lo sé), Norm Johnson, Ryan Clark, John L. Williams, Mike Mitchell recientemente. Pero, de entre todos ellos, coincido con algunas otras personas que he leído y me quedo con un tipo llamado James Farrior. Nos leemos en breve